Lane Johnson Joins Saquon Barkley in Madden 99 Club
With the release of Madden 26 on August 14, Saquon Barkley will not be alone in the prestigious Madden 99 Club. Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has been announced as the seventh player to achieve a perfect 99 overall rating in the latest edition of the popular EA Sports video game.
Joining Johnson and Barkley in this elite group are notable athletes including Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Cleveland Browns EDGE rusher Myles Garrett, and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. This lineup showcases some of the most talented players in the league.
Barkley, who had a standout first season with the Eagles, was revealed as the cover athlete for Madden 26 back in June, further solidifying his impact on the game. The Eagles celebrated this achievement with a special presentation where Barkley gifted Johnson a diamond "99" necklace in the team's weight room at the NovaCare Complex. This moment came shortly after the Eagles received their Super Bowl LIX rings, a ceremony that quarterback Jalen Hurts notably chose not to participate in.
"Chain and all. That's awesome," Johnson remarked during the presentation video. "Still got some more to go. It's a blessing. Thank y'all to all that voted or are responsible." His gratitude reflects not only his personal achievement but also acknowledges the support from his teammates and coaches.
Johnson and Barkley now join a select group of Eagles legends, including Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins (Madden NFL 04) and kicker David Akers (Madden NFL 06), as members of the Madden 99 Club. Notably, Barkley becomes just the second Eagle to grace the cover of a Madden game, following Donovan McNabb's appearance on Madden 06.
Interestingly, Johnson revealed that he hasn't owned a video game console since the PlayStation 2 era. "I really don't even know what to say or what to do with the chain," he shared with the Eagles' website. "None of it could be possible without my teammates, my coaches, and, obviously, people in this building. So, cool thing to have. Very thankful, grateful, and honored."
Madden 26 is set to hit shelves on Friday, August 14, but eager football fans can gain early access by pre-ordering the deluxe version of the game three days prior to its official release.
